The Importance of Progesterone

Note: Many people read this article and think it does not apply because they are past their childbearing stage of life. Read this article to gain a general understanding of progesterone and how it effects the female reproductive system and therefore her whole hormonal balance in all of her seasons.

Redbook (vol. 172 No. 4) printed a review of the role of progesterone in womens’ health. The article is based on information provided by a fertility specialist who is also a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia.

Readers are told that progesterone assures uniform shedding of the uterine lining each month. Whereas estrogen builds up the endometrium during the first half of each menstrual cycle, progesterone prepares it for the implantation of a fertilized egg after ovulation. If fertilization does not occur, the ovaries stop production of progesterone (usually after 14 days) and menstruation begins. If fertilization does occur, adequate amounts of progesterone in the uterine wall will allow the egg to attach itself to the endometrium and remain securely in place.

When a woman reaches her 30’s and 40’s, progesterone levels can drop below normal,causing her periods to occur more frequently. When the ovaries produce progesterone for only nine or ten days instead of the usual 14, a woman who normally had her periods every30 days may begin to menstruate every 25 days. (My note: This is called Luteal Phase Defect and can happen from poor diet and other factors as well as perimenopause. Read more about it at BeyondFertility Luteal Phase Defect tag.)

Low levels of progesterone, as well as relatively high levels of estrogen, can also cause tissue buildup. This combination can lead to the formation of so much excess tissue that there is abnormally heavy flow during menstruation and spotting between periods. Severe progesterone deficiency can even stop the endometrial shedding process altogether, resulting in missed periods. Prolonged deficiency can lead to endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that can increase the risk of uterine cancer. And a low progesterone / estrogen ration can cause symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as anxiety, irritability,depression, headaches, dizziness and bloating.

Finally, if a woman’s ovaries do not produce enough progesterone to maintain pregnancy through the first trimester, when the placenta takes over the job of making progesterone, a miscarriage will occur.

Progesterone treatment may also help infertile women. Those having trouble conceiving or who have had unexplained first trimester miscarriages are urged to discuss the possibility of progesterone deficiency with their physicians; according to the article,physicians often treat infertility with strong medications or surgery (D&C) without first checking progesterone levels. Progesterone therapy has helped many women become pregnant and carry a child to term. Therefore, it should be considered as an alternative before more drastic measures are taken.

END OF DR. LEE’S ARTICLE.

What is being talked about here is Natural Progesterone, not progestins, pregesterones etc. Because these synthetics are originally derived from natural progesterone does not make them the same. NP has the same 1 molecule of hydrogen taken out just as your body would. Synthetics have atoms of other substances added which makes them not at all the same as your body and therefore they upset the delicate balance and only in best cases mimic NP. They therefore are not excreted from the body naturally as well. Also NP does not carry with it the side effects or birth defects related to synthetics.

Many doctors believe the synthetics are real progesterone because of their training. They are not purposely unaware. If you were to look up in the Physicians Desk Reference you would in fact see under medroxyprogesterone acetate (the name for progestins – Provera – the most common, pregesterone, gestagens, progestogens and others) a lengthy list of side effects including: Increased risk of birth defects if taken in the first 4 months of pregnancy, depression, miscarriages or congenial deformities in the fetus, breakthrough bleeding, cervical erosion, nausea, malignant mammary nodules in animals, sudden loss of partial vision and many more. This is stated in “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause”. It’s not my opinion but 20 years of his research and hundreds of case histories.

Cycle Balance Cream and Cycle Balance Plus Natural Progesterone cream are used transdermally, which means applied to thin areas of skin. This is the best delivery system for natural progesterone. Progesterone is purposed to help your body stay in balance. It contains 500 mg of natural progesterone per ounce. (derived from diosgenin from wild yam and soy plants and converted to natural progesterone), vitamin E, aloe vera and other healthful substances. (Note: because a product lists wild yam does not mean it contains Natural Progesterone. Some only list it in the ingredients to pose as Nat. Prog. – The effects are not guaranteed or consistent.) Example: Even low levels of progesterone may not help fibroids but a product with at least 400-500 / ounce is recommended for treatment of those listed and more. (Remember that Cycle Balance Cream has 500mg/oz.)

Aloe Vera helps stabilize the natural progesterone. Essential oils are believed to be the best, effective carrierw. Cold-processed oils are instrumental in seeing that the natural progesterone is absorbed by the body. Aloe vera also helps absorption, and give Cycle Balance powerful moisturizing capabilities.

Cycle Balance Cream is not a miracle drug. The FDA regulates what may be said about its effectiveness but Dr. Lee’s book is very specific about HIS findings. If you are not satisfied for any reason, return it for refund. You may soon find that many other problems will disappear that you did not know were linked to low progesterone: acne, hair loss, lethargy, insomnia, depression, mood swings, fibrocystic breasts, polycystic ovaries, headaches, muscle cramps, blurred vision, unexplained weight gain, lack of appetite, low libido, dark circles under the eyes and so much more. There are at least 75 symptoms of low progesterone and probably some we don’t know of according to Dr. John R. Lee. We do not guarantee that Cycle Balance or Happy PMS Cream or Cycle Balance Plus will cure or treat anything specific but science says that progesterone is responsible for those listed and more.

Cycle Balance Cream is not a drug. It is a plant derivative made to work with our bodies the way God intended. There are so many xenoestrogens – toxins in the air, plastics, canned goods and even in water – that our bodies are out of sync with the original plan. Did you know that synthetic estrogens are used in the lining of canned goods. It isn’t just a matter of ones personal body makeup but the toxins that are presented in our society. We live in a toxic world that is anything but ideal for our bodies.

Change of diet and lifestyle play an important role.Having enough essential fatty acids (ask us about flaxseed and Barlean’s Essential Woman oils), low animal products (hormone free at least), a good amount of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as a juicing and fasting program are all important to a healthy body.